PROVIDENCE — In a gesture of faith and solidarity during the Easter season, faithful gathered outside the Wyatt correctional facility in Central Falls on Holy Saturday to pray the Rosary alongside Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R, lifting up prayers for detained immigrants and their families.
Among those present were Varsovia and Javier Gallego, parishioners of St. Teresa Parish in Pawtucket. They shared that their motivation came after seeing a notice in El Católico Spanish newspaper, which invited them to live out Easter in a more concrete way.
“We thought it was a beautiful way to celebrate Easter—not only with words, but by doing something and praying for our immigrant brothers and sisters, because in some way, we are all immigrants,” Javier said.
The Gallegos noted that, given the current climate surrounding immigration, there is an urgent need to promote more humane and dignified treatment for all people.
“We would like to see a system in which people are treated with dignity and respect, where human values are upheld and there is a fair process,” they said.
They also emphasized the importance of compassion among those in positions of authority, recalling the Church’s call to welcome others.
“Many of those in power should act in a more humane way, as the Pope invites us: to welcome our brothers and sisters,” they added.
For them, defending immigrants is not only a social issue but also a deeply spiritual one. “We believe it is a command from God to welcome the stranger. This is a country made up of immigrants,” they said.
They also expressed concern about the impact of immigration policies on families.
“We are called to raise our voices and ask authorities for greater mercy, especially when families are being separated.”
They agreed that the mistreatment of immigrants contradicts the fundamental values of society.
Finally, they called on both authorities and the broader community not to remain silent in the face of injustice.
“Many times we think this does not affect us, but if we remain silent, we become part of the injustices that exist in the world,” they concluded.
During the prayer vigil focused on immigration and human dignity, retired priest Father Tom O’Neill shared his deep concern about current immigration enforcement practices and called for a more just and humane system.
When asked what motivated him to participate in the gathering, Father O’Neill spoke candidly about what he sees as a serious moral issue.
“I believe that what is happening is wrong—it is unjust,” he said. “When people are taken off the streets and treated in ways that strip them of their dignity, that is deeply wrong. This is the result of lies, injustice, and brutality.”
The priest noted that he has reflected on this issue in opinion pieces published in the Rhode Island Catholic, where he addressed the human and moral implications of these practices.
Looking ahead, he expressed his hope for meaningful reform.
“I would like to see a sensible immigration system,” he said.
“One that offers a pathway for people who have good reason to be here. It has to be a partnership—those who come and those who are already here working together to build a better country and a better world.”
Although retired, Father O’Neill continues to serve in various communities throughout the diocese as needed.
“I’m available to serve wherever I’m needed,” he said. “I go where I am called.”
The Rosary for Immigrants takes place on the first Saturday of the month at 11 a.m. in front of the Wyatt detention center. It has been growing every month, averaging more than 100 faithful coming to pray from all corners of the diocese.
In addition, Bishop Lewandowski invites all to join him in Continuing the Conversation: A Convening on Immigration and Migration on June 3 in the Cathedral. More at www.dioceseofprovidence.org/news/continuing-the-conversation-a-convening-of-immigration-and-migration.
